New Service Gives Low-Budget Films, ARGs a Chance

A new service called Hukilau is offering low budget projects, like independent films and alternate reality games (ARGs), funding through a concept known as “crowdsourcing.” The service allows members of the Hukilau community to become producers of independent films or remain consumers, by watching and rating the films.

The word hukilau derives from ancient Hawaiians, referring to a type of fishing. In Hawai, a large number of people, usually family and friends, would work together in casting the net from shore and then pulling it back. Anyone who participated in the process would share in the catch (Wikipedia).

The service gives ARGs a new platform. The hope is that the Hukilau community will participate in independent-made alternate reality games, and provide feedback to the puppetmasters. If the Hukilau service works, it’s nothing short of revolutionary.

“I’ve always seen a potential for more for transmedia,” says Joseph Matheny, commenting on why the service includes ARGs “I think [ARGs] can now move into the position of becoming a recognized artform in it’s own right, like film or novels.”

Hukilau will be a flexible service that can be modified by the imagination of the project creators. For the ARG aspect, members of the community may be called upon as participants, or even collaborators. The site will also be used as a “viewing station” for video enthusiasts, who will be able to view, rate, and purchase content. Members will be able to interact with content and it’s creators, giving consumers full access to the day-to-day activities of film-making.